A former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, Ngozi Obiefule, has described Governor Hope Uzodimma’s choice of a female running mate as evidence of his commitment to gender balance.
Obiefule, a two-term representative of the Isu state constituency in Imo, said this while interacting with newsmen in Owerri, on Monday.
Media reports that Uzodimma, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 11 governorship election in Imo, on Saturday, unveiled Mrs Nnedinma Ekomaru, as his running mate.
Obiefule said with zero women representation in the current Imo Assembly, as constituted, the governor’s choice of Ekomaru was significant of his respect for gender equality and inclusivity.
She commended the governor for heeding the call for greater women’s participation in governance and called on politicians at all levels to toe the same path in line with the National Gender Policy which demands 35 per cent affirmative action for women.
“By choosing a female running mate, Governor Uzodimma has sent a clear message that he values the role of women in politics and recognizes their ability to contribute effectively to the development and progress of the state.
“This decision will inspire and empower more women to actively engage in politics, ultimately leading to a more representative and equitable society “, she said.
She added that as a Catholic, Uzodimma’s choice of a Pentecostal in a chiefly Christian state will give non-Catholics a sense of accommodation.
She expressed confidence that more women will be given prominence and a greater sense of inclusion if Uzodimma eventually emerges winner of the election.